Senate Resolution No. 1421
BY: Senator COONEY
COMMENDING David A. Catallo posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those outstanding individuals whose lives of courage, sacrifice,
and service have profoundly enriched the State of New York and the
Nation; and
WHEREAS, David A. Catallo, a lifelong resident of the Town of
Waterford and a member of the Greatest Generation, is posthumously being
honored upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient of the
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate, in recognition of his extraordinary valor,
patriotism, and lifelong commitment to public service; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, David A. Catallo was born on November 14, 1924, in
Waterford, New York, the son of the late Orazio and Loretta Villa
Catallo, and was a graduate of Waterford High School, where his deep
roots in the community first took hold; and
WHEREAS, In service to his country during one of the most
consequential moments in world history, David A. Catallo entered the
United States Navy on November 2, 1942, and served honorably as a Navy
Corpsman during World War II; and
WHEREAS, After completing his training in Florida, he was deployed
to England and assigned to the 6th Naval Beach Battalion, whose perilous
mission was to establish beach markers, direct incoming troop movements,
and provide immediate medical care to wounded service members during
amphibious landings; and
WHEREAS, On June 6, 1944-D-Day-David A. Catallo crossed the English
Channel aboard LCI-88 as part of the first wave of American forces to
land on Omaha Beach, enduring hours of relentless enemy shelling while
courageously performing his duties under fire; and
WHEREAS, During the assault, he was wounded by an artillery shell
explosion and evacuated from the battlefield, later regaining
consciousness in a field hospital in England, having demonstrated
extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the face of grave danger; and
WHEREAS, For his valor and gallantry in combat, David A. Catallo was
awarded the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Bronze
Star Medal with "V" Device, the World War II Victory Medal, and the
American Campaign Medal, as well as the Croix de Guerre and the Legion
of Honor, decorations bestowed by the French Government in recognition
of his heroism during the liberation of France; and
WHEREAS, David A. Catallo was honorably discharged from the United
States Navy on June 9, 1945, and was further distinguished by the fact
that he and three of his brothers-Anthony, Merico, and Feody-served
simultaneously in the United States Armed Forces during World War II, a
testament to a family's profound devotion to country; and
WHEREAS, Following his military service, David A. Catallo continued
a lifetime of public service through his 35-year career with the United
States Postal Service, including distinguished service as Waterford
Postmaster from 1972 until his retirement in 1981; and
WHEREAS, Deeply committed to his community, he was an inactive
member of the Kavanaugh Hook and Ladder Company, where he served as
Treasurer for an extraordinary 41 consecutive years and was honored in
2010 with a plaque commemorating 65 years of service; and
WHEREAS, He was also a lifetime member and former Treasurer of the
Waterford Knights of Columbus, a member of the Waterford Bocce
League-serving as League President and Team Captain-and a member of the
Waterford Golf League, reflecting a life rich in fellowship, leadership,
and civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, David A. Catallo shared 69 years of marriage with his
beloved wife, Gloria, and together they raised two children, Lorry and
Larry, building a family legacy grounded in love, faith, and service;
and
WHEREAS, David A. Catallo passed away on October 15, 2019, at the
age of 94, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a life story
that embodies the very ideals of liberty, sacrifice, and devotion to
others; and
WHEREAS, The Liberty Medal is reserved for those individuals whose
exceptional achievements and character serve as a lasting inspiration,
and David A. Catallo's heroism in war and steadfast service in peace
make him eminently worthy of this highest distinction; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body commend David A. Catallo
posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient of a
Liberty Medal, in grateful recognition of his extraordinary valor,
selfless service, and enduring contributions to the State of New York
and the United States of America; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of David A. Catallo.
